Trout Fishing in Region 6

Trout Streams

Although some trout streams are found in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, the majority are located in Herkimer, Oneida and Lewis counties and can be divided into three categories: stocked streams, prime streams (wild trout populations but fairly accessible), and remote wild streams (streams with a "wilderness" setting). Some stream sections are "catch and release" fishing only, and a few of the stocked reaches receive large trout.

A separate listing of waters for each category can be found on the following pages. These lists provide information on trout species present, stream location and available public access. A separate pamphlet is available on salmon and steelhead fishing in Jefferson County's Lake Ontario tributaries.

When fishing for trout, anglers will find that the most productive baits and techniques vary from season to season. Generally, when trout season opens in April, the largest catches are taken with natural bait such as worms and salted minnows. For best results, fish pools and slow riffles during the warmest part of the day. While fishing with worms remains good throughout the season, fly fishing picks up in early May and continues through the summer. With the heat of summer, it is best to fish early in the morning and late in the evening especially after a rain. Anglers should also try small spinners or spinners tipped with worms. Fly fishermen generally use streamers, nymphs or flies. Fish the streams in the fall as you would in the spring.

St. Lawrence County - Stocked with both brown and brook trout, the Oswegatchie River below the dam at Cranberry Lake is one of the more popular trout streams. Other area streams include the St. Regis River, which is stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout, and Plumb Brook, a tributary of the Grass River which is stocked with brown trout. In addition, the uppermost section of the Grass River provides native brook trout populations. St. Lawrence County also has over 30 miles of catch and release fishing available on wild brown and brook trout streams.

Jefferson County - Felts Mills and Jacobs Creeks offer good fishing for both wild and stocked brook trout, usually beginning in mid April. Black Creek, located on and below the Fort Drum Military Reservation, also provides excellent angling opportunities for stocked brown trout but a special permit from the Fish and Wildlife Program Manager at (315) 772-9636 is required to fish there.

Lewis County - A variety of trout species are stocked in numerous creeks throughout the county including Black, Alder, Crystal and Point Rock creeks, as well as the upper portions of some of the major rivers. Anglers looking for native brook trout should try the numerous tributaries of East Branch of Fish Creek , upper Mad River and Otter Creek and the Sugar River. Numerous wild brook and brown trout streams can be found on the eastern side of the Black River.

Herkimer County - Herkimer County has a variety of trout streams with both stocked and native fish populations. The Moose and upper Black rivers are stocked with brook trout. Spruce and West Canada creeks are stocked with both brown and brook trout. The South Branch Moose River maintains a moderate native brook trout population. Access is fairly easy on many of these streams. The South and Middle branches of the Moose River have public land along the banks, as does the Black River. Spruce and West Canada creeks have public fishing rights with the West Canada also having several fishermen parking areas.

Oneida County - As in Herkimer County, there is an abundance of trout streams in Oneida County. Brown trout are stocked in numerous creeks including: Big, Canada, Cincinnati, Fish, Ninemile, Oriskany, Sauquoit, Sconondoa and West Canada creeks. Stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, the Black River provides great fishing opportunities, especially in the area near Boonville. Oriskany, Woodhull and the upper Mohawk and Mad rivers sustain native brown and brook trout populations. Public fishing rights are located along most of these streams.

Trout Ponds

Most of the region's trout ponds are located in Herkimer, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties and are stocked with brook trout. They can be accessed by road and several others in remote locations of Herkimer and St. Lawrence counties require extensive walking. Another group of lakes is stocked with brown rainbow and lake trout and are called two-story waters. Bass, northern pike, perch, and sunfish are also caught here. Generally, the best time to fish trout ponds is soon after ice-out and until July. Interested anglers should check the regional stocking list.

Note: Although the general season for trout is from April 1 - October 15, some streams in Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are open April 1 through November 30, or longer. For details, please check the regulations guide that you receive with your license.